see also: in November 2006 News Releases:   Ecstasy Seized in Border Smuggling Attempt   Illegal Entry, Vehicle Breakdown Yields Pot Seizure   City, County Governments Laud Efforts of Calexico CBP Officers   CBP Border Patrol Agents Arrest Convicted Felon   U.S. Customs and Border Protection Offers Tips for a Quick and Safe Holiday Travel Border Crossing Experience   Attempted Murder Suspects Caught at San Luis Port of Entry   CBP Border Patrol Rescues Four Members of Humane Borders ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

Lynden, WA. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers here seized approximately 567 pounds (257.8 kilos) of cocaine during an outbound vehicle examination yesterday afternoon. The cocaine has an estimated value of $6.5 million.

CBP officers working in the northbound traffic lanes discovered the cocaine concealed in a hidden compartment in the floor of an empty car trailer that a Canadian citizen was towing northbound. With the assistance of the North Whatcom Fire Department, they found 219 “bricks” of cocaine. They used power chop saws and the “Jaws of Life” to cut through the trailer bed’s steel compartment. Officers also seized the 1999 Ford Explorer and trailer.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested the Canadian driver, Jimmy Gibson, 38, of Savona, British Columbia. He will be charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Gibson had his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in Seattle on November 1. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Seattle, while the ICE investigation is continuing.

Peg Fearon, the area CBP port director, congratulated the officers involved in the seizure. “Vigilant CBP officers continue to make significant narcotics seizures both inbound and outbound,” she said. “This seizure and arrest represent the continued problem with bi-directional smuggling along the U.S.-Canadian border in western Washington.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.